Tokyo is famous for having some of the best sushi in the world. As the capital of Japan, it is home to a huge number of sushi restaurants, many of which offer very affordable all you can eat sushi deals. For sushi lovers visiting Tokyo, being able to eat unlimited fresh sushi for a fixed price is a dream come true. But with so many all you can eat sushi restaurants to choose from, how do you know where to get the best deal?
Average Cost of All You Can Eat Sushi in Tokyo
The average cost of all you can eat sushi in Tokyo is around 2,000 to 4,000 yen. This usually gets you 60 to 90 minutes of unlimited sushi, sashimi, rolls, and sometimes sides like edamame, miso soup and rice. Here’s a quick overview of typical all you can eat sushi prices in Tokyo:
- Budget all you can eat sushi: 2,000 – 3,000 yen
- Mid-range all you can eat sushi: 3,000 – 4,000 yen
- High-end all you can eat sushi: 4,000 – 5,000 yen
So you can generally find good deals for all you can eat sushi in Tokyo for 3,000 yen or less. The budget options often have shorter time limits like 60 minutes, cheaper fish options and basic decor. The higher end restaurants will include more premium seafood, longer meal times and nicer ambiance.
Factors Affecting Cost
Several factors affect the pricing of all you can eat sushi in Tokyo:
Location
Restaurants located in central areas like Ginza, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Roppongi tend to have higher prices. Sushi restaurants in less touristy neighborhoods or outside the city center usually offer lower priced all you can eat deals.
Meal Duration
Most all you can eat sushi deals will have a time limit of 60 to 120 minutes. Restaurants that give longer meal times will typically charge more. Shorter 30 or 45 minute deals can be found for budget prices.
Menu Selection
Menus that include more expensive seafood like fatty tuna, sea urchin and salmon roe will be priced higher. Budget all you can eat sushi places often stick to cheaper fish like tuna, salmon, yellowtail, shrimp.
Atmosphere
A nicer dining area and decor will mean higher prices. Budget sushi chains have basic furnishings to keep costs down. High end sushi restaurants invest in beautiful interior design and details.
Reputation
Popular, famous and Michelin starred sushi restaurants can demand higher prices for all you can eat. Customers are paying for the reputation and chef’s skill in addition to the food.
Best Value All You Can Eat Sushi in Tokyo
Here are some of the best restaurants in Tokyo for affordable but delicious all you can eat sushi:
Harutaka
A famous sushi chain with multiple locations across Tokyo. The all you can eat lunch deal is just 1,580 yen for 60 minutes of access to their conveyor belt of fresh sushi. One of the best budget options.
Sushiro
Another hugely popular sushi chain with many branches around Tokyo. Their all you can eat lunch is 1,980 yen for 60 minutes. Excellent quality sushi for the low price.
Kura Sushi
Kura Sushi is a revolving sushi chain that offers all you can eat deals from just 1,500 yen. While the quality isn’t the highest, it’s a fun casual dining option.
Ichiban Sushi
A conveyor belt sushi shop famous for late night dining. Their midnight all you can eat deal runs only 2,500 yen for 90 minutes. Open until 5am.
Sushi Zanmai
A high end sushi restaurant with multiple locations across Tokyo. They are famous for the quality and variety of their all you can eat sushi menu available at dinner for a fair 3,780 yen.
Types of All You Can Eat Sushi Deals
There are several common formats for all you can eat sushi in Tokyo:
Conveyor Belt
Kaiten sushi restaurants with conveyor belts delivering a constant stream of sushi plates are very common. Customers can grab unlimited plates during the meal time from their seats. Average cost is 2,000-3,000 yen per person.
Ordering from Menu
Some all you can eat sushi places have diners order directly from a menu. There is usually no time limit and diners can order as many rounds of sushi as they want until full. Expect to pay around 3,500-4,500 yen.
Omakase Style
Higher end restaurants serve an omakase course of the chef’s choice creations. The chef will continue making new dishes until you are full. Omakase style is more expensive at 4,000-5,000 yen.
Timed Courses
Many restaurants offer timed all you can eat sushi courses such as 60, 90 or 120 minutes. You can order as much as you want within the time limit. Prices range from 2,000 to 4,000 yen depending on duration.
Who Offers All You Can Eat Sushi Deals?
The most common types of restaurants for all you can eat sushi in Tokyo include:
Kaiten Sushi Chains
Conveyor belt sushi chains like Harutaka, Kura Sushi, Sushiro, are the most ubiquitous. They focus on high volume to serve quality sushi at bargain all you can eat prices.
Local Sushi Shops
Small privately owned sushi restaurants also offer great all you can eat lunch and dinner sets. Only locals usually know about these hidden gems.
Late Night Sushi
Many sushi shops offer discounted all you can eat deals after 10pm or midnight targeting night owl diners. Ichiban Sushi is famous for this.
High End Sushi
Some exclusive sushi bars provide all you can eat omakase experiences. This is rare and costs more, but offers gourmet quality sushi. Examples are Sushi Yoshitake and Sushi Sho.
How to Save Money on All You Can Eat Sushi
Here are some tips for getting the best deals on all you can eat sushi in Tokyo:
- Go during lunch hours for lower prices. Many places offer lunch only discounts.
- Choose conveyor belt sushi chains which rely on volume.
- Find restaurants a bit outside major central districts.
- Check websites like Groupon for coupons and deals.
- Compare prices online before committing to a restaurant.
- Join loyalty programs at chains like Sushiro for Member discounts.
- Avoid going on weekends and peak dinner hours.
Is All You Can Eat Sushi Worth It?
All you can eat sushi can definitely be worth it in Tokyo if you choose the right restaurants. Benefits include:
- Try lots of different types of high quality sushi
- Great value deals at lunch time
- Convenience of conveyor belt system
- Fun dining experience with friends
- Ability to sample expensive seafood
Downsides to consider:
- Lower quality fish at some budget places
- Very crowded on weekends
- Limited time to eat
- Unhealthy to overeat
Overall all you can eat sushi in Tokyo offers an inexpensive way to enjoy fresh sushi, especially if you go during off-peak hours. Just don’t overdo it on the unlimited sushi!
Etiquette for All You Can Eat Sushi
It’s important to follow proper etiquette when dining at all you can eat sushi restaurants:
- Don’t waste food. Only take what you will eat.
- Don’t take plates before finished with your current one.
- Don’t share plates. Double dipping spreads germs.
- Go easy on the wasabi to be considerate of next diner.
- No running or reserving plates on conveyor belt.
- Don’t occupy tables for extended periods when people are waiting.
- Most places require you to finish all food ordered.
Being respectful allows everyone to enjoy their dining experience. Follow the same etiquette you would at any Japanese restaurant.
Popular All You Can Eat Sushi Chains
Some of the most popular and highly-rated all you can eat sushi chains and restaurants in Tokyo include:
| Restaurant | Average Cost | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Harutaka | 1,580 yen | 60 min |
| Sushiro | 1,980 yen | 60 min |
| Kura Sushi | 1,500 yen | 60 min |
| Conveyor belt sushi chains like Harutaka, Kura Sushi, Sushiro, are the most ubiquitous. They focus on high volume to serve quality sushi at bargain all you can eat prices. | 3,500 yen | 90 min |
These chains have multiple locations making them convenient options across Tokyo neighborhoods.
Best Times for All You Can Eat Sushi
To avoid crowds and get the best deals, here are some tips on the best times for all you can eat sushi:
- Weekday lunches are least crowded with many good lunch deals.
- Dinner on weeknights before 7pm or after 9pm has fewer people.
- Late night is popular with budget options available.
- Right at opening or just before closing hours.
- Avoid evenings on Friday and Saturday when very busy.
- Go early or late during peak seasons like Cherry Blossom.
- Typhoon season in summer sees fewer tourists.
Many restaurants take reservations which can help secure a spot even during peak hours. Otherwise try going at off-peak times to avoid long lines and having to wait for a table.
Conclusion
Tokyo is sushi lover’s paradise, with hundreds of restaurants offering great value all you can eat sushi deals. For affordable prices starting around 2,000 yen, you can enjoy tons of freshly prepared sushi and sashimi. Conveyor belt sushi chains provide convenient budget options across Tokyo neighborhoods. With some research and planning, you can find excellent deals even at high end sushi restaurants. Just beware of crowds on weekends and holidays. All you can eat sushi in Tokyo provides an inexpensive and delicious way to experience Japan’s incredible culinary traditions.
